Common Questions About Mammography

Are there additional costs for 3D Mammography?

What is “Tomosynthesis?”

What should I expect during the 3D Mammography exam?

At what age should I schedule a mammogram?


Question: Are there additional costs for 3D Mammography?

Answer: Medicare and many insurance companies are starting to pay for 3D mammography because they are recognizing its long-term cost savings. Because coverage for the 3D portion of the mammogram is sometimes not covered, we will collect a $50 fee upfront and then file a claim to your insurance company. We will refund you the entire $50 if the 3D portion is paid for by your insurance plan.

Question: What is “Tomosynthesis?”

Answer: Tomosynthesis is a process that takes multiple images of breast tissue. Digital breast tomosynthesis offers cross-section views of the thin sections of the breast. While 2D screening has been proven to reduce breast cancer mortality, its sensitivity and specificity are limited. 3D tomosynthesis compensates for this by being able to detect malignant lesions that could be obscured by overlapping breast tissue on a standard mammogram. It can also increase specificity by detecting pseudolesions, which can often trigger so-called “false positive” results.

Question: What should I expect during the 3D Mammography exam?

Answer: 3D mammography complements standard 2D mammography and is performed at the same time with the same system. There is no additional compression required and it only takes a few seconds longer for each view. Adding a few seconds to your exam could save your life!

Question: At what age should I schedule a mammogram?

Answer: Always check with your provider first. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends a mammogram every year starting at age 40.